Timothy Omotoso Barred from Returning to South Africa
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa and is officially banned from re-entering the country for the next five years.
His exit on Sunday, 18 May, comes after a drawn-out legal saga and a recent decision by the Department of Home Affairs, which labeled him a “prohibited person” under the Immigration Act.
Omotoso, who leads the Jesus Dominion International Church, was acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court on 2 April 2025. The court dropped 32 charges—including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering—citing a lack of solid evidence and prosecutorial errors.
Nonetheless, officials deemed his continued stay in South Africa to be unlawful. He was taken into custody on 10 May in East London, following the Home Affairs Minister’s refusal to lift his prohibited status.
Although he was released two days later while awaiting a legal review, Omotoso opted for voluntary deportation instead of pursuing further court action.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that immigration and police officers escorted him out of the country through OR Tambo International Airport.
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Spokesperson Siya Qoza stated, “He is prohibited from returning to South Africa for five years. If he wishes to return, he must apply for reconsideration once that period ends.”
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